History: SideClip

Judging by the interest and high prices used ones fetch on eBay, a person could rightly conclude that the SideClip was years ahead of its time. Compared to the then-standard PST it featured a thinner profile, lighter weight, and did away with the need for a bulky sheath by including a handy pocket clip. It was the minimalist's multitool long before minimalists realized they needed one.

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Jaws

• Jaw shape appears to be the same as those of the Leatherman PST. However, from the side you can see that one face of the jaws was ground back, making them much thinner than a standard PST's jaws. This also leaves the SideClip jaws asymmetrical, which in some situations can be handy.
• Jaw features include fine serrations, a gripping area, and a wire cutter area. (With hard wire notch)
• Early models had a bead blast matte finish. Later models were brushed stainless.

Handles/Frame

asymmetrical jaws

handles and pocket clip

• Each handle of the SideClip is comprised of two seperate halves. (Four distinct handle pieces are required to assemble a SideClip, each one slightly different)
• Handle sheet metal on the SideClip is slightly thicker than the PST, making it more comfortable to grip under pressure.
• A small cutout in one handle allows the Leatherman Tool Adapter to be attached.
• LEATHERMAN SIDECLIP is stamped in large font on one handle, along with PATS PEND and PORTLAND OR in smaller font. Inch and metric scales are stamped along the spines of both handles.

Pivots

• The SideClip featured button head screws for pivots instead of the traditional Leatherman knurled screws. Drive was 5-star Security PLUS Torx, also seen on the original Wave introduced the same year.

Blades and Tools

• Plain edge knife blade, drop point profile, double side grind bevel. Measures 2-1/4" long. (55mm)
• Medium flathead screwdriver
• Large flathead screwdriver

• Can opener
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver

Blade characteristics

• None of the blades lock open.
• Like almost all multitools of this era, the blades tend to clump when opening.
• All blades are given a high polish.

Sheath

None.

Dimensions

• Length open = 6-1/4" (158mm)
• Length closed = 4" (111mm)
• Width closed = 1" (27mm)

  Early model

  Later model

• Thickness = 1/2" (12mm)
• Weight = 5 oz (142g)

Variations

Basically there are two variations of the SideClip; the Early model, and the Later model. Differences are as follows:

• Early model
  • Bead blast matte finish all over
  • "Old style" plier head, with smaller pivot area
  • Shorter medium screwdriver, with nail nick

• Later model
  • Brushed stainless finish all over
  • "New Style" plier head, with larger pivot area
  • Longer medium screwdriver, with nail notch on spine

Background

Introduced in 1998. Made in the USA. Discontinued in 2004. Replaced by the Kick.

Related Tools

The SideClip is related to the PST and shares a number of features and blades with it.

More Info

• Leatherman SideClip review - at Multitool.org main site
• SideClip Photo Essay - on the Multitool.org Forums, courtesy of Spoonrobot

Off The Record

• The bead blast matte finish was particularly susceptable to rust spots. This is likely why later models were brush finished.
• Note that the SideClip knife blade is significantly shorter than that of the PST, in order for it to fit into the thinner handles.
• Despite being generally thought of as a slender model, when measured over the tops of the button head pivot screws the SideClip is actually thicker than the PST.

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